32 photos that show how obsessed Japan is with minimalism
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Your support makes all the difference.Minimalism is taking over. Figures like Marie Kondo are becoming famous by spreading the gospel of throwing everything out and keeping just what you need.
The movement is most prominent in Japan, where the influence of Zen Buddhism instills a desire for simplicity. For them, less is more.
There's also practical concerns: It's cheaper to be a minimalist. And because Japan is regularly beset by earthquakes, it doesn't always make sense to have a lot of valuable possessions lying around in your house. Nearly half of earthquake injuries come from falling objects.
Take a fascinating look into the sparse aesthetic of minimalism:
In Japan, some bedrooms are so stripped down, they don't even have beds
What does a minimalist keep in his fridge? Not much
The bathrooms also keep it simple
This one couldn't be more austere. There aren't any consumerist products in sight
Sink counters exist to keep stuff on them. All you need is a toothbrush, and that doesn't require one
A window ledge can be just as useful as a sink counter
Everything has its place
Just one spoon and one fork is necessary
Minimalist Saeko Kushibiki stores away her futon mattress in her apartment. Out of sight, out of mind
Even living rooms are de-cluttered. The only furniture here is a desk and chair
...and sometimes not even a chair
It's all about having only simple objects...
...but that doesn't mean they can't be beautiful
The lack of furniture means more space to stretch out
It's easy to keep your kitchen counter clean if you don't have much to put on it
This ceiling lamp is just a plain white circle
Because there aren't many items in the first place, the ones you need are easy to find
They're easily within reach
Hanging objects on simple hooks is a clean, popular storage strategy among minimalists
Part of the minimalist philosophy is keeping together the objects that belong together
It's a way to de-clutter your life...
...and your mind
Each object has its own place and purpose
But sometimes minimalism means not owning a mop
There's a certain beauty to it
There's nothing to distract you
And you never need to think about which pot to use for which dish
Windows and decorations don't compete with each other
And some scenes are perfect for Instagram
...even in the least likely situations
You get to think of your possessions in a fresh way
The negative space speaks louder than the spaces filled with stuff
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Read the original article on Business Insider UK. © 2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
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